As of 20 October 2026, Nintendo Switch 2 runs Pokémon Legends: Z-A in its Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, the Switch 2 exclusive Pokémon Pokopia, the free Pokémon Champions, and Scarlet and Violet with a free update. Pokémon HOME works there too. In 2027 Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves arrive, exclusively on Switch 2. Below is an overview with Nintendo eShop prices, the difference between a paid upgrade and a free update, and what we know about next year’s games.
Pokémon games and Switch 2 at a glance
Prices are from Nintendo eShop Germany (EUR) on 20 October 2026. None of the games was on sale that day.
| Game | Type | eShop price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | 69.99 € | released 16 October 2025, upgrade from the Switch version 9.99 € |
| Pokémon Pokopia | Switch 2 only | 69.99 € | released 5 March 2026 |
| Pokémon Scarlet / Pokémon Violet | Switch game with a free Switch 2 update | 59.99 € each | update since 5 June 2025 |
| Pokémon Champions | Switch and Switch 2, also mobile | 0 € | released 8 April 2026, Starter Pack 6.99 € |
| Pokémon FireRed / LeafGreen | Switch game | 19.99 € | released 27 February 2026, price for FireRed in English |
| Pokémon HOME | app | 0 € | works on Switch 2, Premium is paid separately |
Nintendo sells FireRed and LeafGreen by language (English, German, French, Spanish, Italian), and each one is a separate product, so check which version you are buying. How original Switch games behave on the new console is covered in our backward compatibility guide, and a wider list beyond Pokémon is in our Switch 2 games overview.
Paid upgrade or free update
Pokémon games on Switch 2 fall into two groups, and that decides whether you pay.
Legends: Z-A: Nintendo Switch 2 Edition and upgrade pack
Nintendo describes the Switch 2 Edition of Legends: Z-A as offering improved performance with a higher frame rate and resolution. It gives no exact figures. This edition plays only on Switch 2. Put the NS2 Edition card into an original Switch and it launches the Switch version without the Switch 2 features.
If you already own the Switch version, you do not buy the game again. The upgrade pack costs 9.99 €. The Mega Dimension DLC came out on 10 December 2025 and costs 29.99 €. On Thursday 29 October 2026 a bundle arrives with the NS2 Edition and Mega Dimension on one game card. All versions and prices are broken down in our Legends: Z-A price guide, and the bundle has its own news story.
Scarlet and Violet: a free update
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet received a free Switch 2 update on 5 June 2025. It brings better visuals on the Switch 2 screen and on high-resolution TVs, plus a higher frame rate. You pay nothing extra, and it is not a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition: the game stays a Switch game with an upgrade.
Pokémon Pokopia: Switch 2 only
Pokémon Pokopia launched on 5 March 2026 and does not run on the original Switch. It is a relaxed life sim built around crafting and building. Up to four players can join online or locally. With GameShare you start it from a Switch 2, and the second player can be on a Switch or a Switch 2. Online play requires Switch Online.
There is a paid Expansion Pass with three waves of content (new towns, Pokémon and features). Part 1, Bubbly Basin with an underwater town, is already out. The parts cannot be bought separately, and buying the pass by 31 August 2027 adds a Rare Pokémetal x30 bonus. We have no officially confirmed price for the pass or dates for the later parts, so we leave them out.
Pokémon Champions and HOME on Switch 2
Pokémon Champions is a battle game you download for free. It launched on Switch and Switch 2 on 8 April 2026 and on mobile on 17 June 2026, and mobile players battle Switch players. A Starter Pack costs 6.99 €. What is in it and how recruiting works is in our Pokémon Champions guide.
Pokémon HOME works on Switch 2. When moving from the original Switch, use Nintendo’s system transfer and Premium carries over with the user. To link Scarlet and Violet, the save data must be on the same console as HOME. The steps are in our system transfer guide, transfers between games in our Pokémon HOME guide.
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves in 2027
According to Nintendo, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves release in 2027, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. They promise an open world of islands and ocean. Languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Korean and Chinese. Nintendo has not announced an exact release date or price yet. The Pokémon revealed so far are in our news on Winds and Waves.
Winds and Waves were announced at the Pokémon Presents for Pokémon Day on 27 February 2026. No further Pokémon Presents had been officially announced as of 20 October 2026.
Join our Discord to team up in Pokopia or find opponents in Champions: GamersTogether Discord.
FAQ
As of 20 October 2026, Pokémon Pokopia. Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will also be Switch 2 only when they launch in 2027.
No. If you own the Switch version, the upgrade pack costs 9.99 € on Nintendo eShop.
No. Scarlet and Violet got a free update on 5 June 2025 with better visuals and a higher frame rate.
Nintendo lists 2027. No exact date or price has been announced yet.
None had been officially announced as of 20 October 2026. Winds and Waves were revealed at the Pokémon Presents for Pokémon Day on 27 February 2026.
Information verified on 20 October 2026. More guides are in our Pokémon guides section.